4 Basics I Wear Under Jackets and Sweaters Every Damn Day

I love investing in fun jackets and coats, but I really can't be bothered to switch up the pieces I wear underneath them. I've accumulated a core basics collection that has proven time and time again to work with every single thing in my closet. If it ain't broke, why fix it? I keep my tees, sweaters, and jeans very simple and instead spend my money on quality outerwear.

Below, I've rounded up the four basics that I swear by for fall and winter. I wear them with everything from shearling jackets in Sweden, satin blazers in L.A., and double-breasted coats in Italy. (Yes, I had to use photos from different cities because it's still sweltering out in L.A. in early November). Scroll down to see and shop my favorite basics to wear under jackets and coats. 

1. Black Mock-Neck Sweater

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

My black mock-neck sweater gets a ton of wear this time of year. I prefer it to a full-on turtleneck because it's less stuffy to wear while inside with the heat on. I also think it's quite professional-looking for the office. 

What I'm Wearing: Topshop jacket and mock-neck sweater; Frame jeans

2. Band Tee

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

My top drawer is reserved exclusively for my special band tees, many of which I've picked up at concerts for Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and more. Besides the real-deal concert merch, my favorite brand for band tees is Madeworn. They're pricey, but they have this amazing broken-in feeling I love. 

What I'm Wearing: House of Harlow 1960 jacket; Madeworn T-shirt

3. White Crewneck T-Shirt or Sweater

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

On my recent trip to Italy, I packed my new favorite Veronica Beard coat along with my fail-safe wardrobe basic: X Karla's crewneck T-shirt. For colder climates, a white sweater is one of my all-time favorite pieces. 

What I'm Wearing: Veronica Beard Senna Coat ($795); x Karla The Crew Tee ($30); Reformation Vintage High Straight Jeans in Sydney ($128); Dôen Mary Jane Slippers ($188)

4. Colorful Striped Sweater

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(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

Now it's time to have a little more fun. In addition to the aforementioned basics, I also love a striped sweater to wear under jackets and coats and I always stock up on new ones every year. 

What I'm Wearing: Ganni jacket; Stine Goya sweater; J.Crew jeans; Warby Parker sunglasses; Gimaguas bag

Next, five investment jewelry pieces that are rivaling Rolex watches.

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.